Journal

We can write “Made by machines and human hands” on all we make. We have thought carefully about what we want the machines to do, and what we want people with nimble ﬁngers to do, but it has to be said that even machines cannot do without people. History The textile industry in Europe…

It is a steep climb up from the old town in Granada to Alhambra. We walk where many have walked before us, hunting for traces. Traces of patterns and shapes, which the Moors brought with them from where the Silk Route from Asia meets the Mediterranean. Historic ground In Norwegian folk art we can find…

Running up and down the factory stairs is an all day everyday activity that reminds us of our place in history. A lot of textile girls have run up and down these stairs before us. A lot of men too, but mostly girls. Spinning Jenny The textile industry is full of girls; probably the industry…

Funny things happen because of knitted cardigans. Signe is on her way up the hill to the Royal Palace in Oslo, a mannequin under one arm and an Oleana outﬁt in the other. Royal meeting There is a royal visit from Jordan, and Queen Rania has expressed a wish to meet female leaders from firms…

Each day, tens of tons of clothes are given away by people who do not want them any more. Only 10 to 15 per cent of this mountain is re-sold in Norway. Most is sent to the developing world. Our planet Many of us buy far too much, clothes being high on the list. This…